1. Ergonomics
Ergonomics
By: Ally Kim & Elizabeth Watt

2. What is Ergonomics?
‘Ergonomics’ derives from two Greek words: ‘ergon’ (work) and ‘nomoi’ (natural laws)
The process of designing workplaces, products and systems to fit the worker
Ergonomists use data such as anthropometry, biomechanics, environmental physics, and social psychology
The purpose of ergonomics is to provide a comfortable work environment
The term ‘ Ergonomics’ derives from two Greek words: ‘ergon,’ meaning work, and ‘nomoi’ meaning natural laws. Ergonomics is the process of designing and arranging workplaces, products and systems to fit the worker. Ergonomists use data such as anthropometry (such as body shapes and sizes), biomechanics (such as muscles and strength), environmental physics (which include noise, light, and radiation), and social psychology (involving communication and behaviour). The purpose of ergonomics is to provide a comfortable and productive work environment.

3. How to Sit at a Computer Step 1: Chair
Push your hips as far back as possible in chair
Adjust seat height (feet should be flat on the floor)
Adjust seat angle (should be 100°-110° reclined angle)
Adjust armrests (shoulders should be relaxed)
Push your hips as far back as possible in chair
Adjust seat height (feet should be flat on the floor)
Adjust seat angle (should be 100°-110° reclined angle)
Adjust armrests (shoulders should be relaxed)

4. How to Sit at a Computer Step 2: Keyboard
Pull up close to keyboard
Keyboard should be positioned directly in front of body
Adjust keyboard height
Place mouse close to keyboard
Pull up close to keyboard
Keyboard should be positioned directly in front of body
Adjust keyboard height (shoulders should be relaxed, elbows should be open, and wrists and hands should be straight)
Use wristrests to help ensure neutral seating position (however, do not rests hands on wristrest while typing)
Place mouse close to keyboard

5. How to Sit at a Computer Step 3: Monitor, Document, Telephone
Centre monitor directly in front of you
Position top of monitor 2”-3” above eye level when seated
Reduce glare on screen
Position reference documents between monitor and keyboard
Use handsets and speakerphone while using the telephone
Centre monitor directly in front of you
Position top of monitor 2”-3” above eye level when seated
Sit at least an arm’s length away from the screen
Reduce glare on screen
Position reference documents between monitor and keyboard
Use handsets and speakerphone while using the telephone (and ensure that telephone is placed near the computer)

6. How to Sit at a Computer Step 4: Pauses and Breaks
Take short breaks every minutes
Rest and refocus your eyes frequently
Use correct posture
Take short breaks every minutes
Rest and refocus your eyes frequently
Use correct posture

7. Injuries From Bad Ergonomics
Neck fatigue
Looking down at the keyboard
Back pain
Twisted posture or inadequate support
Eye fatigue
Poor screen quality or staring at the screen for too long
Shoulder pain
Keyboard position too high
Injuries From Bad Ergonomics
Injuries such as neck fatigue, back pain, shoulder pain and eye fatigue are very common from working with computers. They can be as a result from looking down at the keyboard, twisted posture or inadequate support, the keyboard position may be too high, poor image quality on the screen, staring at a screen for too long, or posture.

8. Were you paying attention?
Which of the following is not key to ergonomics?
keyboard height
mouse size
glare on screen
angle of monitor
Now, to check whether or not you were paying attention
Question #1: Which of the following is not key to ergonomics?
a. keyboard height
b. mouse size
c. glare on screen
d. angle of monitor
Answer: b. mouse size

9. 2) Which of these injuries could be avoided by using proper ergonomics?
carpal tunnel syndrome
subclavian steal syndrome
dromomania
dystonia
Question #2: Which of these injuries could be avoided by using proper ergonomics?
a. carpal tunnel syndrome
b. subclavian steal syndrome
c. dromomania
d. dystonia
Answer: a. carpal tunnel syndrome

10. 3) Which of the following statements is true?
Your seat should be at a 80°- 90° angle
You should take short breaks every hour or so
The top of your monitor should be 2” to 3” above eye level when seated
Eye fatigue is inevitable when working with computers
Question #3: Which of the following statements is true?
a. Your seat should be at a 80°- 90° angle
b. You should take short breaks every hour or so
c. The top of your monitor should be 2” to 3” above eye level when seated
d. Eye fatigue is inevitable when working with computers
Answer: c. The top of your monitor should be 2” to 3” above eye level when seated

11. The End
THE END